Hotels in Aberdeen, the United Kingdom

Best time to visit Aberdeen

The temperatures and rainfall in Aberdeen vary throughout the year. Depending on what you plan to do while you are here, you may want to plan around the seasonal temperatures. The warmest months are July – August, but these also bring the highest volume of tourists, and a good amount of rainfall. The average temperature here is 18 degrees Celsius. For cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, September – October is best because you have a comfortable range from 12 – 15 degrees Celsius. October, however, sees the most rainfall for the year, averaging over 7 centimetres.

Getting around Aberdeen

Most of Aberdeen’s public transportation is centralised in the city. To get on and off the bus system, purchase a GrassHOPPER pass through the Aberdeenshire Council, Stagecoach or FirstBus affiliates. A day pass costs £4.20 GBP, while a weekly pass is £21.00 GBP per person.

Best places to stay in Aberdeen

Nestled into the middle of the Highlands, Aberdeen is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. From strolling along the sandy beaches to playing golf in excellent weather, you will not find yourself short of things to do here. Naturally, you cannot come to Aberdeenshire without seeing the 8 distillers making authentic Scottish whisky. To experience the Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire, you can take a whisky tour, complete with tastings. Also plan a tour of any of the 300 castles, some of which have been restored to their original glory and take you back in time from the moment you walk onto the grounds. While you are here, look for hotels in Aberdeen that suit your itinerary by picking the right neighbourhood.

Central Aberdeen

Central Aberdeen puts you in between the local boutiques, restaurants, nightlife and Scotland’s best museums. When you are in this part of the city, you can walk to most attractions and you also have quick access to public transportation. Stay at the Premier Inn Aberdeen City Centre Hotel, which is, as the name suggests, in the heart of the city and close to the Aberdeen Art Gallery, shops and museums.

The West End

The West End is where you find upscale residential neighbourhoods, breath-taking architecture and large granite houses. Staying here costs a little more, but you often find 3 and 4-star hotels in this area. Stay at the CitiHouse Guesthouse on Great Western Road or the granite townhouse turned hotel known as The Great Western Hotel Aberdeen.

Old Aberdeen

If you prefer to stay within the historic district of Aberdeen, the Old Aberdeen neighbourhood is where you want to be. Here you have King’s College, small boutiques, gourmet eateries, and historic buildings open for tours. Stay at the Aberdeen Northern Hotel, a privately owned hotel close to city centre.

Airport Hotels

If your stay is short or you prefer to stay close to the airport, there are quite a few luxury and budget-friendly accommodations and this neighbourhood is just a short drive from city centre. For a 4-star hotel, stay at the Hampton by Hilton Aberdeen Airport.

Cheap hotels in Aberdeen

Aberdeen is surprisingly budget-friendly for visitors. The city is rich with hotels, which gives you a fabulous Scottish stay without hurting the travel budget. The Aberdeen Youth Hostel is a granite townhouse transformed into a hostel and nestled into a quiet residential neighbourhood. The Soprano Hotel is a luxury, budget-friendly hotel that is very welcoming for international visitors. In the city centre, you have the Brentwood Hotel, which is a traditional townhouse in the middle of all attractions.

Aberdeen offers year-round attractions, tours and activities. Depending on when you visit, you may be in time to catch a Scottish festival (or two). Your itinerary quickly fills up when you look at everything there is to do here. Luckily, you can group activities so that you soak up as much of this Scottish destination as possible.

• Aberdeen offers numerous museums with free or cheap admission. Visit the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Tolbooth Museum or the Gordon Highlanders Museum for tours and to learn about the rich history of Aberdeen.
• Visit some of the historic sites of Aberdeen, most of which are free to tour. St. Machar’s Cathedral offers some of the most breathtaking granite sculptures, while the Torry Battery is a historic landmark of Aberdeen. Tour King’s Museum in Old Aberdeen and don’t miss The Salvation Army Citadel.
• Of course, you have beaches and soft sand to spend your afternoons. For surfing, try Balmedie Beach. When the beaches are crowded, make your way over to Linn O’Dee for amazing geological formations and crystal clear waters. City Beach is perfect if you want swim-friendly waters for the family to enjoy.
• Book a tour while you are here in Aberdeen too. Consider the Culloden Battlefield tours or a full-day tour of Balmoral Castle. It goes without saying, you cannot visit Aberdeen without doing the full-day hunt for the Loch Ness and cruise along the waters to Urquhart Castle.
• Aberdeenshire’s castles are spectacular and ideal for photos. With over 300 castles to see, you may find yourself short on time to see them all. The most famous of those castles to try and tour include Slains Castle or the Balmoral castle. The Dunnottar Castle was the inspiration used for the Disney “Brave” film, and parts of “Frankenstein” were also filmed here. The Scottish castle ruins scattered throughout Aberdeen are just as impressive, including Huntly Castle that sits along a dramatic coastline and offers inspiration to some of the world’s leading fiction writers.
• Whisky is a way of life in Scotland. Aberdeenshire’s hillsides are rich with the fragrances of toasted barley. Tour the award-winning Glenfiddich distillery, one of the few single malt distilleries in the area that is still family owned and operated. Try to also visit Cardhu, the only malt distillery owned by a woman. You can tour The Glenlivet Distillery where you even get to experience what it was like to be a whisky smuggler back in the day.